Reykjavík and its surrounds are a natural theme park of beauty and adventure. The city itself offers incredible fresh flavors, vibrant culture, sensational shopping, and nightlife throughout the summer nights. Just outside the capital, you’ll find geologic wonders like hot springs, volcanoes, and pristine coastlines, along with lava fields, soaring mountains, brilliant hiking, horseback riding, and various adventure sports—these are days out you hope will never end.
Experience the best of Iceland’s capital with these top things to do in Reykjavík and its surroundings.
1. Drink in Reykjavík’s Cafe Culture
Coffee isn’t just a way to warm up or perk up in Reykjavík; it’s the basis for an entire culture. People gather throughout the day at idiosyncratic cafes to share gossip, conduct business, or simply enjoy the act of being together. You’ll find a delightful variety of clever cafes such as the artful Mokka Kaffi and harborside Reykjavík Röst. Bonus points: pair your coffee with a tasty baked treat at places like Brauð & Co.
2. Shop as You Stroll
You won’t find any international chains on Reykjavík’s top shopping strip, Laugavegur St, where Iceland’s best designers display their wares at alluring boutiques. Head toward the Frakkastígur and Vitastígur end for top fashion.
Planning tip: Get the Icelandic sweater of your wooly dreams Friday through Sunday at the indoor Kolaportið flea market, where prices are among the best in the country.
3. Discover Public Art, From Hallgrímskirkja to Viðey Island
You’ll find magnificent public art scattered across Reykjavík, including the soaring concrete church Hallgrímskirkja, a modern marvel completed between 1945 and 1986. Another highlight is Hljómskálagarðurinn, a public park with statues by female artists.
Detour: A short ferry ride from Reykjavík, uninhabited Viðey Island is known for its historic buildings, tranquility, and modern art, including sculptures by Richard Serra and Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower.
4. Sail Off to See Whales
Experiencing the chance to see nearly two dozen whale species right off Iceland’s coast is an adventure not to be missed. Whale-watching tours from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour are offered year-round, although April to September is considered the best time due to the longer days and milder temperatures.
Planning tip: While specific puffin-watching tours are available, it’s common to spot puffins during whale-watching tours as well.
5. Bathe in the Warming Waters of a Public Hot Tub
Iceland is well-known for its naturally hot water, and you don’t need to travel far into the countryside to indulge in this delightful experience. Sundhöllin, located in the city center, features indoor pools, a hot tub, saunas, and outdoor tubs with fantastic city views. To the east of the central area, high-energy, yet still public, Laugardalslaug offers hot pots, a large pool, and a curling water slide—perfect fun for families.
Planning tip: All swimmers must shower completely using soap (provided in the changing area) before entering the pools.
6. Explore Astonishing Geologic Beauty on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Flying in and out of Keflavík International Airport may give you a glimpse of the magnificent Reykjanes Peninsula, but to truly appreciate this UNESCO Global Geopark, a hike is necessary. Active volcanoes, hot springs, craggy lava fields, towering mountains, and wild ocean vistas are just some of the impressive highlights. Numerous guides are available to help you embark on these adventures.
Planning tip: Always check the official source for safety news, safetravel.is, especially if you plan to visit areas of volcanic activity.
7. Graze on Fresh Food at Grandi Mathöll
One of the Old Harbour’s vintage fish factories has been transformed into Grandi Mathöll, a waterfront food hall featuring an unbeatable selection from over half-a-dozen stalls. Choices range from classic Icelandic fish and chips to spicy Indonesian fare.
Detour: If you’re feeling a chill, pick a fish skewer from the cooler and enjoy some warming lobster soup while it’s grilling at Sægreifinn (Seabaron), located right on the harbor.
8. Be Wow at Reykjavík Art Museum and Local Galleries
For a small nation, Iceland boasts a remarkable number of talented artists. Their works can be found in an array of museums and private galleries throughout Reykjavík. The Reykjavík Art Museum is divided into three locations: Ásmundarsafn (designed by sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson), Hafnarhús (contemporary exhibitions near the Old Harbor), and Kjarvalsstaðir (dedicated to local legend Jóhannes S. Kjarval). Among the galleries, don’t miss: i8, Kling & Bang, and Nýlistasafnið (Nýló; The Living Art Museum).
9. Soak in a Lagoon Just Outside Reykjavík
The Blue Lagoon is world-famous, and for good reason: white steam rises from sapphire blue water, framed by emerald-green moss atop jet-black lava. It’s an expansive pleasure complex where you can enjoy a massage, a cocktail, a wonderful meal, or simply float your cares away.
Detour: Check out the recently opened (2021) Sky Lagoon, which is only 15 minutes south of Reykjavík and tends to be much less crowded than the Blue Lagoon.
10. Revel in the Rift-Valley Beauty of the World’s First Parliament Site at Þingvellir
In 930 CE, the Vikings established the first democratic parliament in the stunning Þingvellir (pronounced Thing-vetlir) rift valley northwest of Reykjavík. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Þingvellir National Park, the area would be a must-see for its natural splendor, even without the historical significance. Follow marked trails to marvel at the geologic drama where the North American and European tectonic plates drift apart, then visit the park’s waterfalls to absorb their power.
11. Ride a Horse to a Waterfall
The area around Hella, southwest of Reykjavík, is shadowed by volcanoes and intertwined with rivers. It’s also a top region for horse breeding, especially for the adorable Icelandic horses with their notable bangs and unique gaits. You can embark on horseback riding adventures across the countryside, featuring stops at locations like Ægissíðufoss waterfall. Operators include Íshestar, near Reykjavík, or Hella Horses. Nearby Hvolsvöllur also offers excellent opportunities for riding, especially across lava fields.
12. Delight in Iceland’s Best Nightlife
Djammið in Reykjavík means “going out on the town,” or you might pöbbarölt—take a “pub stroll.” Peak hours for partying are from midnight to 5 AM, which works well in summer when it’s the land of the midnight sun. However, people venture out in all seasons, enjoying Iceland’s renowned music scene, featuring famous groups like Kaleo and Vök, as well as rising stars at venues large and small.
Planning tip: Time your visit to coincide with one of Iceland’s music festivals, such as Iceland Airwaves or Dark Music Days, or secure tickets to a performance at the stunning Harpa concert hall.
13. Taste Iceland’s Inventive Cuisine
In Reykjavík’s restaurants, you’ll find flavors as fresh and pure as the sea breezes. For example, Matur og Drykkur offers a gastropub-style dining experience with an ever-changing menu based on locally sourced ingredients, seafood caught offshore, and herbs foraged from the surrounding landscape.
Planning tip: No trip to Reykjavík is complete without a taste of the world-famous hot dog from the iconic truck Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Get one with everything!
14. Take a Day Trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
North of Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches into the Atlantic. Much of its unmissable western tip is encompassed by the Snæfellsjökull National Park, an enchanting landscape featuring solitary beaches (some with seals), waterfalls, moss-ringed ponds, old fishing villages, trails leading to ancient volcanic craters, horse rides, and even a glacier.
Detour: On the northern side of the peninsula, Stykkishólmur is a delightful harbor town brimming with charm and excellent dining options.
15. Tackle a Gleaming Glacier
Langjökull Glacier is Iceland’s second largest and it’s an easy drive from Reykjavík. You can delve deep into its icy depths via an ice cave or traverse its expansive surface on monster tour trucks. Additionally, snowmobiling and various other thrilling activities await adventurous souls.
This article was first published on June 12, 2022, and updated on October 8, 2024.
